Freeman fires pistol as defending champion Walter returns to Grand Final
Cathy Freeman fires the starting pistol for the Grand Final 100m sprint as defending champion Jed Walter returns to compete.
Olympic legend Cathy Freeman will fire the starting pistol for the 100m dash on the MCG turf during Grand Final half-time. Freeman won gold in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Eight runners will compete, including defending champion Jed Walter from Gold Coast. Six other AFL players are racing, along with Tasmania's Brandon Leary ahead of the Devils' entry into the competition in 2028.
The winner's junior club receives a $5,000 Telstra donation. Freeman said she's excited to fire the gun for this massive AFL occasion.
- 2000 Sydney Olympics
- Cathy Freeman Olympic year
- 400m gold
- Olympic event won
- 8
- Number of runners
- 5000 dollars
- Telstra donation
Why it mattersFreeman's presence elevates the Grand Final half-time show, adding Olympic gravitas to Australia's biggest AFL occasion.
AustraliaGrand Final Day attracts Australian viewers nationally, and Freeman's Olympic star power adds prestige to the half-time racing spectacle.
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